"I kill every plant I touch." We hear it in the shop every week. Here's the secret: most plants don't die from neglect. They die from the wrong spot and too much water. Pick a tough plant, follow three simple habits, and you'll be surprised.

The three habits that keep plants alive

1. Match the plant to your light. This matters more than anything else. Not sure what light you have? Our Lighting Guide explains it in two minutes.
2. Water less than you think. Check the soil with a finger (or a moisture meter) and only water when it's dry a few centimetres down. More plants drown than dry out.
3. Use a pot with drainage. Keep the plant in its plastic nursery pot inside a decorative planter, and empty any water that collects at the bottom.

The toughest plants we sell

ZZ Plant

Practically unkillable. Stores water in its roots, handles low light, and is happy to be forgotten for weeks. Shop ZZ Plant →

Snake Plant

Upright, architectural and extremely forgiving. Water about once a month, less in winter. Shop Snake Plant →

Pothos

Fast-growing trailing vine that droops a little when thirsty and perks right back up after a drink. Easy to read, easy to love. Golden, Marble Queen or Neon.

Cast Iron Plant 🐾

Named for a reason. Low light, cool rooms, irregular watering: it doesn't mind. Shop Cast Iron Plant →

Hoya 🐾

Thick, waxy leaves that hold water, so it prefers to dry out between waterings. Bonus: sweet-smelling flowers once it settles in. Hoya Krimson Queen and Hoya Compacta are great starters.

Peperomia 🐾

Small, slow-growing and tidy, with semi-succulent leaves. Perfect for a desk or shelf. Shop Peperomia Pepperface →

Spider Plant 🐾

A classic for good reason. Tough, fast and it even makes babies you can pot up and give away. Shop Spider Plant →

Jade and other succulents

Only for a sunny window, but if you have one, Jade and succulents want very little water and can live for decades.

🐾 = non-toxic to cats and dogs. See our Easy Pet-Safe Houseplants guide for more.

Plants to skip (for now)

Fiddle leaf figs, calatheas, maidenhair ferns and most rare variegated plants are beautiful but fussy. Build your confidence with the plants above first, then come back for these.

Gifting for a black thumb?

• Pick from the list above and pair it with a planter. We can pot it up for you in store.
• Add a moisture meter. It's the best tool for anyone who isn't sure when to water.
• Not sure what they'd like? A gift card lets them choose, and we'll help them pick something that suits their space.

Browse our full Beginner Friendly collection, or come by the shop at 515 Chatham St #103 (open 11–5, 7 days a week). Tell us about your space and your track record. No judgement, we promise.